Welcome to THE RAMAKIAN, a story that's over 2,000 years old. The original name of this epic tale is the
RAMAYANA and is a story of Sri Rama by the great Indian sage Valmiki. The story came to Thailand probably
via buddhist monks, spice traders and seafarers from southern India or Sri Lanka and it was first translated

into Thai in the 18th. century during the Ayutthaya period (1351 to 1767), but alas, most of the editions were
destroyed when the armies of Burma attacked what was then Siam, and burnt the capital down in 1767. It was
under the supervision of King Rama I (the first king of the current Chakri dynasty) who moved the capital from
across the Chao Phraya River from Thonburi to Bangkok, that these stories were compiled between the

years 1797 to 1807.

The Ramakian is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Thai literature, and it is hoped that you acquire this
book, so you can also enjoy this adventure as much as the countless thousands that have read it since. The story
has a moral theme and depicts the struggle and eventual victory of man over the power of evil – which is
represented by a race of demons. The race of monkeys had been badly pushed around by these demons, and had
sided with the humans.

The Ramakian is quite a long tale and this translation is a shorter version of the story, with several sub-plots
and details having been omitted, mainly to reduce potential confusion. I have also added my ten cents worth of
humour to lighten the text for easier reading.

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I have copied part of a chapter from the book, to
titillate your interest. This is where the evil
demon Tot-sakan tries to pull a dirty trick on
Phra Rama, so he would give up his quest to attack
the Island of Longka and rescue Princess Sida.

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Customers that have bought the book and wish to
go to the "ILLUSTRATION" and "MURAL
PICTURES" file, please send me an email so I can
give you the web page address ... Details are at the
end of the book! The many pixs are over 1mb each.

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It is said that there are many translated versions of the
Ramakian - or the Ramayana story in South East Asia.
These stories have truely had a profound influence in many
aspects of their culture, and can be found in their art
forms, advertisements, literature ... even in children's x
toys. Therefore, should you be visiting any of these xxx
countries - as a tourist or to work there ... knowing this

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Yes, your eyes didn't deceive you ... a sheet containing the 24 card pack of what was the "KOBOT
SCROLLS" ... what some say was the basis of the "Tarot Cards" that was developed later in Italy.
This mini set is yours for FREE with the book. Have fun with your fortune telling!

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story from start to finish would be a valuable insight ...
wouldn't you think?? Most books or websites only give you
a brief and partial glimpse of the epic, which can leave
you a bit confused.This book gives you that full
perspective - with a bit of humour thrown in as well!

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Now, very briefly, a quarrel occurs at the foot of the steps to
heaven between a giant and a god - and in order to resolve it, the
two central figures are reborn as Prince Rama of Ayutthaya and
the demon Prince Tot-sakan of Longka. The evil Tot-sakan steals
Rama's beautiful wife - Sida, and takes her to his island. Prince

Rama, his army and that of his mischievous monkey friend Hanuman,
march to Longka (now Sri Lanka) and after many battles, using

magic and lot of trickery, succeed in defeating Tot-sakan, rescues
Sida and returns to his kingdom of Ayutthaya.

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Going around the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
-taking photos of the murals ... as the tourist guides
passed by, I listened to what they were saying - - it
was sad to discover that many didn't really know
the story of the Ramakian!!! No wonder the visitors
were confused! Waste good money too! But you will
know better ... right?

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GREETINGS. This website will give you the following:

1) A brief overview of what the epic of the "RAMAKIAN" is all about.... just scroll down.

2) A sample of the story as written in the book - "The Ramakian" by John Ellis. Press 'Sample' below.

3) A sample of some pictures in the book and also from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Press 'Pixs'

4) All the pictures in the book and those taken from the Temple, for those that have bought the book.

5) An opportunity to those that wish to buy the book.

6) An explaination of the KOBOT SCROLLS - pre-TAROT CARDS (sent free with the book). Press 'Tarot'

7) Some useful information on 'strokes' - (not from reading the book - I may add!)

8) And if you're visiting Thailand - some tips - mainly about food!

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